Volkswagen's Family Friendly Vehicles
Provided By: CarInsurance.com
Last Updated: Saturday, March 14, 2009
Volkswagen debuted its redesigned Passat Wagon to the public at auto shows in Detroit and Los Angeles back in early 2006. VW presented this mid-size family wagon as a sophisticated but comfortable vehicle for the whole family. Volkswagen hoped this vehicle would be the one of the first vehicles that VW enthusiasts, with a family, would want to try out. Since its debut the Passat wagon has been successful and VW has since added to its family friendly lineup.
The Volkswagen designers never fail in their quest to keep the vehicle functional instead of frivolous. The Passat wagon does so with its distinct VW styling. The Passat wagon designers and engineers paid close attention to detail and use of advanced technology as well as being unyielding in their safety designs and features.
Since 2007 the Passat wagon has had some minor updates and now comes in various trim levels such as the Turbo, Komfort, Lux or VR6. It comes with two powerful engine options and superb handling, the Passat Wagon comfortably seats five passengers, has plenty of room for extra cargo. In 2009 it was ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report in the affordable full size station wagon class.
The outward dimensions of the Passat wagon have increased from its predecessors (pre-2007) and the extra exterior room translates into more interior room. The interior of the Passat wagon is wider and thus allows for more legroom, especially in the rear seating compartment. They have added comfort to the rear passengers in the means of standard air conditioning and heater vents.
The Passat wagon engineers wanted to build a quality foundation, so its static torsion stiffness has been improved to now be more than 50 percent higher than its predecessor. The VW German engineers want the driver to enjoy driving the car, not just the look of it. Part of that enjoyment of course comes from the type of engine that is under the hood.
The safety features of the Passat wagon include front side thorax airbags, side curtain protection in the front and rear so to total 8 airbags altogether. Other passive safety features include crash-active front headrests for all 5 occupants, 3-point safety belts and daytime running lights. All of these safety features are what help the Passat to continually get outstanding ratings during its crash tests and is hoped will continue on with the wagon.
Mechanical safety components consist of ABS brakes that are coupled with an engine braking assist system. A major technical advancement in the wagon is a power steering system that can assist with straight-ahead driving adjustments when necessary. All Passat models currently and in the future will come standard with an electronic stabilization program that features an anti-slip regulation and electronic differential locking.
A second wagon that VW offers is the Jetta SportWagen is small (compact) and built to compete with the Audi A4. It is not a large vehicle, but with the second-row seats folded forward, the Jetta SportWagen boasts a big cargo hold. There is not much difference between the Jetta sedan and the Jetta SportWagen according to reviewers such as CNET. SportWagen debuted with three engines types offered: the 2.5-liter five-cylinder (now making 170 horsepower); the 200-horse, turbo 2.0-liter; and, a new clean-burning 2.0-liter TDI diesel. Transmission options will include five- and six-speed manuals, a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic, and a six-speed DSG paddle-shift box.
Other family friendly models that VW has added its line up include the Routan mini-van as well as the Touareg SUV and the crossover Tiguan. The Routan is a seven-seater minivan that shares the same platform and mechanical underpinnings as the Dodge/Chrysler minivan upon which it is based (Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country). The Routan gets top marks in crash protection, with five stars in NHTSA frontal and side crash tests. Reviewers of the Routan say it is similar to its American counterparts but with a German flair.
The VW Touareg was the first SUV in the US market to offer two engines with more than eight cylinders. Test drivers have found this diesel SUV to be extremely quiet and smooth to drive. It comes with Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System, which automatically unlocks doors in a collision, disconnects the battery, shuts off the fuel supply and high-power electric components, then calls OnStar (on vehicles equipped with that option). Reviewers note that theTouareg boasts serious off-road abilities for a unibody SUV.
VW has since added the newer Touareg 2 to its SUV lineup. This has the option of a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel (TDI) V6. It retains many of the same dimensions-wheelbase, length/width/height, track widths, and interior volume-plus identical off-road capability and towing capacity, but this evolution of the Touareg has several new and improved features.
The Touareg 2 (note that the 2 only shows up in VW materials, not on any badging shown on the vehicle) has reshaped headlights, grille, and bumper, new, larger side mirrors, and updated taillights and exhaust tips. Revisions also were made in the cabin. There is a new instrument panel, 12-way-adjustable driver's seat, and new stereo interface with LCD screen, plus options like keyless access and four-zone climate control.
The Tiguan is a recent addition to the VW family and is referred to by some as the Touareg’s scrappy little brother. It is a rabbit based crossover SUV with versatility. Significantly smaller than the Touareg, the Tiguan features the 200 horsepower turbocharged engine from the GTI/GLI/Passat and offers a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmissions. It was built to compete with the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CRV.
The Tiguan comes in the S trim or the upgraded level SE trim. Front-drive and 4Motion models will be available. VW's latest-generation 4Motion system uses a Haldex clutch mounted at the rear axle that keeps 90 percent of the power to the front wheels during normal driving and moves it to the other wheels when the system deems necessary.
As the facts and figures demonstrate, the Passat wagon is a true upgrade from its previous wagon model as the Jetta SportWagen, Routan, Touareg, and Tiguan are a change from the normal Volkswagen lineup. The engine, technical, safety and interior conveniences of all of the VW family friendly cars have been advanced and enhanced so that buyers will see the sophisticated technology and engineering needed for their family vehicle. Car insurance companies like to insure Volkswagens.
I was satisfied with your abilities and your price.
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Jacksonville, FL
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